Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy are set to compete in the 2025 Safari Rally Kenya, marking their third World Rally Championship event. The rally introduces gravel terrain and is known for its challenging conditions. McErlean’s experience from previous rallies and Johnston’s strong form add to the anticipation for this grueling event, which consists of 21 competitive stages.
The 2025 Safari Rally Kenya will feature Irish drivers Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy, marking their third World Rally Championship event this season. Competing with the M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1, this duo has shown strong performances in previous rallies held in Monte-Carlo and Sweden. This rally stands out as it introduces gravel terrain, differing significantly from prior gravel events in the WRC calendar.
The Safari Rally is known for its challenging conditions, presenting rugged terrain, fesh-fesh, and tricky water splashes. McErlean and Treacy have some previous experience with the Safari’s difficulties, having completed the East African Safari Classic Rally in a Porsche 911 at the end of 2023, which highlighted the challenging conditions drivers face in this equatorial region.
“This event is so unique, it’s hard to fully know what to expect,” stated McErlean. He had a successful Rally1 debut at Rally Monte-Carlo by adopting a cautious strategy, achieving the first championship points for M-Sport this year. This was followed by a strong performance in Rally Sweden and then securing their first overall win as a crew in Ireland’s National Rally Championship.
Also competing is fellow Motorsport Ireland representative Aaron Johnston, who is set to tackle his fifth Safari Rally Kenya this year. With two Safari podiums to his credit alongside Takamoto Katsuta, Johnston comes into this event in strong form, having recently finished as a runner-up in Rally Sweden. The Safari Rally consists of 21 stages, beginning with a shakedown on Wednesday, and emphasizes its status as one of the most grueling competitions on the 2025 WRC calendar.
In conclusion, the 2025 Safari Rally Kenya presents an intense challenge for drivers, particularly for Irish participants Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy, who carry valuable experience from previous rallies. The event is characterized by difficult terrain and unique conditions, making it critical for competitors to adapt effectively. With notable performances leading up to this event, both McErlean and Treacy are poised to make significant impacts in the WRC.
Original Source: www.northernsound.ie
